21 March 2010
Reader Response Forum
27/03/2010 04:54
Do It With Mountain Dew
A Story To Make You Smile
![speeding-ticket-cartoon-re-sexy[1]](speeding-ticket-cartoon-re-sexy005b1005d.jpg)
"May I see the owner's card for this vehicle?" the officer asks. "It's not my car. I stole it."
"The car is stolen?" "That's right," says the man. "But come to think of it, I think I saw the owner's card in the glove box when I was putting my gun in there.
The incredulous police officer stammers, "There's a gun in the glove box? "Yes sir. That's where I put it after I shot and killed the woman who owns this car and stuffed her body in the trunk.
"There's a body in the trunk? "Yes, sir." Hearing this, the officer immediately calls his captain.
Police soon surround the car, and the captain approaches the driver to handle the tense situation:
"Sir, may I see your license?" he asks. "Sure. Here it is."
"Whose car is this?" asks the captain. "It's mine, officer," the man reports. "Here's the owner's card."
"Could you slowly open your glove box so I can see if there's a gun in it?" "Yes, sir, but there's no gun in there."
"Would you mind opening your trunk? I was told you said there's a body in it." "No problem." The man opens the trunk. There's no body.
"I don't understand this," says the captain. "The officer who stopped you says you told him you didn't have a license, stole the car, had a gun in the glove box, and that there was a dead body in the trunk."
"Yeah," says the driver, "and I'll bet the lying so-and-so told you I was speeding, too.
_______________________________________________________________
He
Ain’t . . .
WEBBITS
27/03/2010 04:54
* Sex workers refusing to take legal brothel plan lying down.
* Somerville man spent $7K from son's charitable fund to pay for escorts, police say.
* This Isn't Your Grandmother's Bingo.
* Armored car spills cash on street in suburban Columbus.
* Fiery veteran surrenders peacefully after standoff. After dispute with wife, he says he's been married 'too damn long'.
Dubai is installing 50-70 Sleep Boxes
27/03/2010 04:53
How about sleeping in a box when you are just passing by a large city?
Size: 2 m x 1.40m x 2.30m to sleep in comfort and security.
Cheap sleep in case of emergency for anyone rich or poor!!
No time wasted looking for a hotel.
Designed to be installed at train stations and airports, and central public places or cities where accommodation is fully booked.
In tropical climate countries the sleeper box can be installed outdoors in main streets.
The space includes bed, linen, ventilation system, alarm. LCD TV, Wi-Fi , space for your laptop and re chargeable phone. Under your bed and floor there is a cupboard for your luggage.
Payment is made at terminals who will give clients an electronic key that can be purchased for 15 minutes or for as many hours as you need.
Woman Who Rescued Boy Charged With Trespassing
27/03/2010 04:53
This is one of those, “you have to read it to believe it” stories.
A five year old kid in the UK climbed up a tree on the school grounds.
Teachers didn’t help him down, they left him there and went back inside the school.
A passerby noticed the kid and helped him down.
And then it just gets weird.
The Boy With A Built In Calculator
27/03/2010 04:53
Learning to count is always fun with young children and we tend to use their fingers to get them to ten.
And by the time they go to kindergarden, we toss in the toes and they get to 20.
But this little guy from china is going to have an easy time getting higher than 20.
Much higher.
Reader Response Forum
26/03/2010 04:23
The Puppy And The Mirror
The First Politician?
An archeological team, digging in Ottawa, has uncovered 10,000 year old bones and the fossil remains of what is believed to be the first Politician.
Community League Celebrating 70th Anniversary
Hi All:
St. Albert Community League is celebrating its 70th anniversary as a renewal of its central role in the community in past years.
As part of that, several events are being planned, including 2 afternoons of Family Games and tournaments.
SATA is encouraging them in their endeavors and has agreed to forward on their poster for their games events on March 27th and April 25th. Come on out and meet others in the community for a fun and inexpensive afternoon with friends and family.
Lynda Flannery
President
St. Albert Taxpayers Association
“Your membership is your voice”
www.saintcitytaxpayer.org
________________________________________________________
Dear Don:
St. Albert Community League will be grateful if you'll extend an invitation to the whole community to join us for fun-and-games at our Games Day this Saturday (27th) at our hall in (#17) Perron Street. Begins at 2 PM.
Please display our poster if convenient.
We think this is going to be lots of fun for *all* ages.
I like chess. And we're excited that Edmonton Chess Club six times champion Rob Gardner is going to attend, and take on all comers in a "simul". That is, he will simultaneously play a dozen or two opponents on as many boards, with (obviously) only a few seconds to choose each move. If pairs would like to take on the champ, we can accommodate that. Chess challengers are asked to bring their own chess sets if possible (no mini
sets). Challengers are asked to arrive before 1:45 to set up for a 2:00 p.m. start.
Come join us, Don. And thanks.
For the League,
Deane Doucette
WEBBITS
26/03/2010 04:23
* Qantas pilot allowed to carry on flying... despite having urges to crash planes.
* US thieves sentenced after boasting on TV show.
* Colo. trooper arrested for DUI was driving patrol car, carrying gun.
* Bigger Models Make Women Feel Bad About Themselves, Too.
* Maple syrup rich in antioxidants: Study.
Did UFOs Cause Chilean Earthquake?
26/03/2010 04:23
Regular readers will know that we never let you miss the very latest scoop, (or is that poop?), on UFOs.
This time the story comes from Chile.
Remember that big quake they had a few weeks back?
Well it seems there were some pretty suspicious UFO events both before and after the shaker.
One UFO even climbed out of the sea to avoid the tsunami.
They’re out there, aren’t they?
Do You Know Your Alphabet?
26/03/2010 04:23
It Happened At School
26/03/2010 04:23
Reader Response Forum
25/03/2010 06:22
The Most Accurate Pie Chart Ever
Here’s The Scoop On Poop!
Click to see larger image.
Via: Online Schools
WEBBITS
25/03/2010 06:22
* Gay couple turned away from B&B by Christian owners.
* Naked man in taxi-lifting adventure.
* Address Change Imperils Brain Cancer Patient.
* ‘Suicide voyeur' nurse William Melchert-Dinkel allegedly talked people into death online.
* Swedish woman faces charges for falsely accusing father of rape.
Careful When Borrowing Your Mom’s SUV
25/03/2010 06:22
When one borrows the SUV from Mom, you want to be careful not to scratch it.
And you sure don’t want a speeding ticket either.
Nor would you want to crash into something.
But the one thing you should always do is ask permission to use the darn thing.
Especially if you’re only five years old.
So, Does More Money Make You Happy?
25/03/2010 06:21
There’s an old saying that money can’t buy happiness.
I don’t know about you, but I’d like to test that theory one day and keep buying lottery tickets.
But a research team has shown that money only makes you happy if it goes hand in hand with one other thing.
You have to have more than your neighbour.
Vortex Junction: The Next-Gen Roundabout
25/03/2010 06:21
Roundabouts aren’t great for high-volume locations. This new design, called the "Vortex Junction," handles a plethora of intersections and many, many plethora of cars in a simple, ingenious layout.
The future of grandma-and-Griswold-confusing intersections.
Reader Response Forum
24/03/2010 03:16
It’s The Old Table Cloth Trick Done Over
We’ve all seen that trick where you put some glasses and plates on a small table and whip the tablecloth out from under them, haven’t we? But how about the same trick with a banquet table full of glasses and plates and candelabra? Check it out!
Pictures From Our Readers Libraries
We always appreciate hearing from our readers and especially when they include pictures to share. Such is the case with these shots taken by our neighbour Randy Horan on his recent trip to Costa Rica. Thanks Randy!
WEBBITS
24/03/2010 03:16
* Cro Magnon skull supports theory that human brains have begun to shrink.
* Narwhals Jousting for Superiority Over the Seas.
* Cancer genes silenced in humans.
* Professor Abandons Grades for Experience Points.
* Homeowner who forgot his wallet returns to find Romanian family moving in.
The Most Dangerous Drug Isn't Meow Meow
24/03/2010 03:16
SINC SAYS:
“In its purest form, a newspaper consists of a collection of facts which, in controlled circumstances, can actively improve knowledge.
Unfortunately, facts are expensive, so to save costs and drive up sales, unscrupulous dealers often "cut" the basic contents with cheaper material, such as wild opinion, bullshit, empty hysteria, reheated press releases, advertorial padding and photographs of Lady Gaga with her bum hanging out.
The hapless user has little or no concept of the toxicity of the end product: they digest the contents in good faith, only to pay the price later when they find themselves raging incoherently in pubs, or – increasingly – on internet message boards.”
Another view of newspapers.
Seaweeding Your Way To Thinness?
24/03/2010 03:16
Heads up all you folks looking for the latest diet.
There’s a new kid on the block and it’s called seaweed.
Apparently seaweed prevents the body from absorbing up to 75 percent of the fat you eat.
At least that is the claim of a research team at a university.
No, really.
Making Water Run Uphill, With Lasers
24/03/2010 03:16
Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered how to make liquid overcome gravity and flow upward along a silicon surface. The essential ingredient, as always: lasers.
Full story on Gizmodo.
Reader Response Forum
23/03/2010 03:32
Taxpayers Meeting Goes Tonight
Hello All:
Our regular meeting is scheduled for tonight, March 23, although I know some of you will be at the continuation of the Akinsdale/Habitat public hearing at council chambers. The agenda is below, please print and bring a copy.
Lynda Flannery
President
St. Albert Taxpayers Association
“Your membership is your voice”
www.saintcitytaxpayer.org
An Open Letter To City Council
To St. Albert City Council
Has St. Albert council ever considered enforcing the clean-up of some of our many brownfield sites (abandoned gas stations and the like) and making them available to Habitat for Humanities or other Affordable Housing?
Some of those sites are ideally located, that is close to public transit, shopping, medical services for example. Many of these sites have been lying "sterile" for years and are an embarrassment to the City.
The confrontations between "neighbours" and painful decision council has to make over the Arlington project would be avoided, much-needed housing provided, environmental pollution cleaned up, and St. Albert would set an example for other communities to follow.
Elke Blogett
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Please let us know if anyone on council replies to you Elke.
The Things That People Send Us
Are there 12 or 13 people here?
A redneck hedge trimmer
WEBBITS
23/03/2010 03:31
Playing Tonight At LB's Pub
23/03/2010 03:31
We will celebrate Lonnie Eschak's 50th birthday
tonight. Lonnie will be bringing it on with his
fiddle for this instrumental night. Come on out and
celebrate a half a century of
life.
March 23rd - Drew Hazlett and Robert Fernandez
Drew is a local guitarist who dabbles in any style from jazz to progressive rock and fusion. Currently working in the band Maple Tea. Past work with Octane playing major rooms in and around Edmonton. Simon Fisk was very impressed with Drew's appearance with him on stage at the Blind Pig in 2005 jamming jazz grooves.
Robert - I met and played with Robert a couple of times at the L.B's Thursday night MGD jams. This guys keyboard wizardry and style blew my mind while on stage live. We clicked and soon found we had a common liking of funky jazzy fusion styled jammin’. Robert is a keyboardist originally from Hamburg Germany and didn’t come to Canada until the 90s. In Germany his band was a staple in the music business appearing at the bigger local clubs and festivals in and around Hamburg. A great work offer had him move to Canada where he met renowned guitarist Gordie Matthews who invited him out a jam. Influenced by great such as Al Jarreau, Steve Porker, Bill Sharpe and many, many more is why he loves fusion styled funky jammin’ and I think that Drew and Rob will bring in a great mix of instrumental experimental jams.
Ammar’s Moosehead Tuesday Open Stage
Every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
March 23rd - Drew Hazlett and Robert Fernandez
Drew is a local guitarist who dabbles in any style from jazz to progressive rock and fusion. Currently working in the band Maple Tea. Past work with Octane playing major rooms in and around Edmonton. Simon Fisk was very impressed with Drew's appearance with him on stage at the Blind Pig in 2005 jamming jazz grooves.
Robert - I met and played with Robert a couple of times at the L.B's Thursday night MGD jams. This guys keyboard wizardry and style blew my mind while on stage live. We clicked and soon found we had a common liking of funky jazzy fusion styled jammin’. Robert is a keyboardist originally from Hamburg Germany and didn’t come to Canada until the 90s. In Germany his band was a staple in the music business appearing at the bigger local clubs and festivals in and around Hamburg. A great work offer had him move to Canada where he met renowned guitarist Gordie Matthews who invited him out a jam. Influenced by great such as Al Jarreau, Steve Porker, Bill Sharpe and many, many more is why he loves fusion styled funky jammin’ and I think that Drew and Rob will bring in a great mix of instrumental experimental jams.
Ammar’s Moosehead Tuesday Open Stage
Every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Farts
23/03/2010 03:31
One thing we do know for sure and that’s that farts are funny.
Most people have to suppress laughter every time one catches them by surprise.
And that’s one thing you never want to find in a fart. A surprise.
But here is the complete guide to farts by a lady expert.
Stop smiling while you read it.
READER RESPONSE:
The website is breaking new wind....er........ground today. Loved the link on farts, I've been laughing and chuckling so much since reading it I almost....er......oops.......s'cuse me I'll be right back.
There, that's better. Also, be sure to read the comments section below the story, they're just a funny as the story.
Great work!!
Smiling all day in Cowtown.
Lego Goes As Mainstream Art
23/03/2010 03:31
We count among our readers a number of LEGO enthusiasts.
That being said, we’re always on the lookout for all things LEGO and we ran across this item in a UK newspaper.
No need to thank us, we’re happy to do it for our readers.
It IS impressive, isn’t it?
Blowin’ In The Wind
23/03/2010 03:31
The march towards greener energy production is a world wide goal now and wind farms are one of the solutions.
There are hundreds of them around southwestern Alberta churning out electricity every day.
But they have a problem with wind farms over in the UK.
It seems that 20 wind farms there are only producing 20 percent of their capacity.
Why is that?
Reader Response Forum
22/03/2010 02:00
Taxpayers Meeting Goes Tomorrow Night
Hello All:
Our regular meeting is scheduled for March 23, although I know some of you will be at the continuation of the Akinsdale/Habitat public hearing at council chambers. The agenda is attached, please print and bring a copy.
Lynda Flannery
President
St. Albert Taxpayers Association
“Your membership is your voice”
www.saintcitytaxpayer.org
Pictures From Our Readers Libraries
We always appreciate hearing from our readers and especially when they include pictures to share. Such is the case with these shots taken by our neighbour Randy Horan on his recent trip to Costa Rica. Thanks Randy!
Your Sunday Smile
This clipping sent along to us by long time reader Elke Blodgett who says she’s not sure if it’s true or not, but it’s a good tale about a senior moment.
WEBBITS
22/03/2010 02:00
Remember Guy Who Won That Hot Dog Contest?
22/03/2010 02:00
Well, he’s back only this time he’s chowing down on corned beef.
Seems the guy can toss down anything in mere seconds.
The video of him shovelling down 15 sandwiches in 10 minutes proves the point.
That is if you can stand to watch.
22/03/2010 02:00
How come you never see a billboard being put up by the highway?
Do the English people eat English muffins, or are they just called muffins?
How much deeper would the ocean be if sponges didn't grow in it?
Why do they call it the Department of Interior when they are in charge of everything outdoors?
Why does Jello have a smell when you add the powder in the water, but when it "gels" the smell is gone?
Light Hindering Observatory Studies
22/03/2010 02:00
When they build an observatory, they like to seek out very dark corners of the planet, preferably at higher elevations.
Such was the case when scientists selected a dark spot in Arizona for the Whipple Observatory.
But things have changed and their multi million dollar investment is being saturated with light where none existed before.
So why has a dark corner of Arizona suddenly seen the light?
Seems the source is 24 miles away.
Reader Response Forum
21/03/2010 05:11
The Great Piano Experiment
Your Sunday Smile
BABIES COME FROM?
After their baby was born, the panicked father went to see the obstetrician. 'Doctor,' the man said, 'I don't mind telling you, but I'm a little upset because my daughter has red hair. She can't possibly be mine!!'
'Nonsense,' the doctor said ... 'Even though you and your wife both have black hair, one of your ancestors may have contributed red hair to the gene pool.'
'It isn't possible,' the man insisted. 'This can't be, our families on both sides had jet-black hair for generations.'
'Well,' said the doctor, 'let me ask you this. How often do you have sex?
The man seemed a bit ashamed. 'I've been working very hard for the past year. We only made love once or twice every few months.'
'Well, there you have it!' The doctor said confidently. 'It's rust.'
Headline Typo Of The Week
WEBBITS
21/03/2010 05:11
A Foodie's Experience In Oklahoma
21/03/2010 05:11
By KC4
Special Correspondent
St. Albert’s Place
Part Two Of Three
This morning we came down to the lobby of our hotel for breakfast and got quite the surprise. The lobby was wall to wall with men in fatigues waiting for deployment. Our hotel was very near the Tinker Air Force Base and I’m guessing this was overflow.
Fatigued they certainly were, as most were sleeping or at the minimum, closely inspecting the insides of their eyelids. Draped about on the lobby furniture and on the floor propped up against the wall, dozens of them were obviously taking this as an opportunity to get some rest. We tiptoed around them to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It’s never a good idea to suddenly awake combat trained men.
In between visits with our cousin, we would take our rental car on short excursions and adventures. Our cousin had many appointments with physiotherapists and doctors, plus needed rest, so we had significant chunks of time to spend exploring.
Each time we purposely took off in a different direction and explored different parts of the city but despite these different directions, we notice one reoccurring theme. This city is clearly going through an economic turndown.
Several big box stores, such as Target, Kohl’s and Nordstroms are closed. Many malls are empty or partially empty. Other retailers are not only closed, but also boarded up. They obviously aren’t planning on reopening these locations any time soon.
More residential streets than average, in my traveling experience, look a little behind in maintenance. This is the worst that I’ve witnessed in a while. No wonder the prices here for food and consumer goods seem to be so reasonable. The economy is visibly suffering.
Oklahoma has a definite overall pioneer or western spirit flavour with many steakhouses, honky-tonk bars and roadhouses, western themed art galleries. Also, there is , The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, The American Banjo Museum, and many western clothing and tack stores. There is even a Beef Jerky Emporium.
On our outing agenda today; shopping for some souvenirs to take home and dinner at another recommended Oklahoma dining institution.
Today we have been advised to visit the Stockyards, a few minutes west of downtown. The Stockyards district boasts being home to the largest stocker/feeder livestock market in the world. It also has a higher concentration of classic western style culture with the Cattleman’s Steakhouse, Oklahoma Centennial Rodeo Opry, Native Jewelry and Art stores and many western wear and saddlery retailers.
After checking out and acquiring a few pieces of amazing handmade Native jewelry, we go next door to Langston’s a well-known western outfitter.
We walk in to discover a huge assortment of western wear, western gear, silver belt buckles as big as my head and boots of all sizes and shapes. We come from Calgary, a city also known for it’s western flair and I have never seen this many cowboy boots in one place before. They span row upon row, wall to wall. If you can’t find what you want here, I don’t know where else you would find it.
Also
to our surprise, around one corner we encountered a
large taxidermy of an entire Buffalo. Great herds of
buffalo once roamed the hills and prairies of
Oklahoma and figure prominently in Oklahoma’s
history. This one was just standing there amongst the
boots, but he wasn’t trying any on.
We bought a couple western shirts for the Stampede celebrations in Calgary and then headed across the street to the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse.
At first, I resisted to going to a steakhouse. I admit it, being an Alberta born and raised girl, I am a steak-snob. We love our Alberta grain fed Beef. Why eat steak anywhere else? Oklahoma beef is mostly corn fed beef, which causes a slight change in the taste and texture.
A few things swayed me though. I was previously aware of Cattlemen’s for a couple of reasons. First, it is listed as one of the 1000 Places to See Before You Die , a traveler’s life list by Patricia Schultz and secondly, Food Network’s Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, show featured Cattlemen’s within it’s last season. Last and not least, Cattlemen’s has been voted Oklahoma City’s best Steakhouse for 13 years in a row. The restaurant business can be fickle, to say it kindly, and a 13-year consecutive run is hard to beat.
We made our way through the group of hat and boot wearing cowboys near the front entrance to encounter glass doors with a huge metal bull’s head as handles. Oh yeah, this place has promise.
Upon entering, we found Cattlemen’s had two sides; the newer restaurant style and the other diner style side. We opted for the classic diner, first built in 1910 and still retaining much of the design and décor of the era with a long counter top and stools, deep booths and tables with branding irons along with cattle and ranching related paraphernalia. Awesome and authentic looking.
While our booth was being cleared for us we browsed around looking at the photos on the wall and generally surveying the surroundings. Yep, it looked like a lot of rancher types are actually eating here. It wasn’t really fancy, just your basic diner with a majority of everyday people, cowboys, baseball hat wearing rancher/farmers, their friends and families here for a nice dinner.
My sister and I frequently order different meals with the intention of sharing them. She ordered the house special, the strip sirloin steak, while I found something unusual on the menu I wanted to try: Lamb Fries. It is also one of Cattlemen’s specialties and a local favorite.
Another unnaturally colored rum drink comes for my sister. Hopefully there is no Everclear in it this time. I am still tea totaling it because I’m driving. Not only am I driving, I am driving in a new city and at night. Not a good combination for me as I am directionally impaired in the best and most familiar of conditions.
When
our meals arrived, my sister didn’t want any of my
Lamb Fries. Why not? She likes lamb, and these were
nicely done little pieces of lamb, corn meal breaded,
seasoned and fried. There was even a nice tangy-sweet
tomato and horseradish sauce as a dip. I told her
that I was enjoying them.
When the waitress came over to refill our drinks, my sister asks her about what is in the dish that I am eating. The waitress asks us hesitantly if we really want to know. I interrupt and state that I already know – it’s lamb. Yes, the waitress agrees, it’s lamb … testicles.
My sister bursts out laughing like she thought I didn’t know. I knew. I just wasn’t going to tell her in hopes that I could get her to eat them. Then I was going to tell her.
After some coaxing, she did try one, just to be able to say she did; now she’s done and will never eat them again. They were quite edible and unoffending, especially doused in the sauce, but it’s not something I would order again.
The steak itself? I must admit that it was fabulous. Oklahoma has great beef, corn fed or not, and they also know how to properly cook it. No complaints from these Alberta girls.
To be continued next Sunday.
Special Correspondent
St. Albert’s Place
Part Two Of Three
This morning we came down to the lobby of our hotel for breakfast and got quite the surprise. The lobby was wall to wall with men in fatigues waiting for deployment. Our hotel was very near the Tinker Air Force Base and I’m guessing this was overflow.
Fatigued they certainly were, as most were sleeping or at the minimum, closely inspecting the insides of their eyelids. Draped about on the lobby furniture and on the floor propped up against the wall, dozens of them were obviously taking this as an opportunity to get some rest. We tiptoed around them to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It’s never a good idea to suddenly awake combat trained men.
In between visits with our cousin, we would take our rental car on short excursions and adventures. Our cousin had many appointments with physiotherapists and doctors, plus needed rest, so we had significant chunks of time to spend exploring.
Each time we purposely took off in a different direction and explored different parts of the city but despite these different directions, we notice one reoccurring theme. This city is clearly going through an economic turndown.
Several big box stores, such as Target, Kohl’s and Nordstroms are closed. Many malls are empty or partially empty. Other retailers are not only closed, but also boarded up. They obviously aren’t planning on reopening these locations any time soon.
More residential streets than average, in my traveling experience, look a little behind in maintenance. This is the worst that I’ve witnessed in a while. No wonder the prices here for food and consumer goods seem to be so reasonable. The economy is visibly suffering.
Oklahoma has a definite overall pioneer or western spirit flavour with many steakhouses, honky-tonk bars and roadhouses, western themed art galleries. Also, there is , The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, The American Banjo Museum, and many western clothing and tack stores. There is even a Beef Jerky Emporium.
On our outing agenda today; shopping for some souvenirs to take home and dinner at another recommended Oklahoma dining institution.
Today we have been advised to visit the Stockyards, a few minutes west of downtown. The Stockyards district boasts being home to the largest stocker/feeder livestock market in the world. It also has a higher concentration of classic western style culture with the Cattleman’s Steakhouse, Oklahoma Centennial Rodeo Opry, Native Jewelry and Art stores and many western wear and saddlery retailers.
After checking out and acquiring a few pieces of amazing handmade Native jewelry, we go next door to Langston’s a well-known western outfitter.
We walk in to discover a huge assortment of western wear, western gear, silver belt buckles as big as my head and boots of all sizes and shapes. We come from Calgary, a city also known for it’s western flair and I have never seen this many cowboy boots in one place before. They span row upon row, wall to wall. If you can’t find what you want here, I don’t know where else you would find it.
We bought a couple western shirts for the Stampede celebrations in Calgary and then headed across the street to the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse.
At first, I resisted to going to a steakhouse. I admit it, being an Alberta born and raised girl, I am a steak-snob. We love our Alberta grain fed Beef. Why eat steak anywhere else? Oklahoma beef is mostly corn fed beef, which causes a slight change in the taste and texture.
A few things swayed me though. I was previously aware of Cattlemen’s for a couple of reasons. First, it is listed as one of the 1000 Places to See Before You Die , a traveler’s life list by Patricia Schultz and secondly, Food Network’s Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, show featured Cattlemen’s within it’s last season. Last and not least, Cattlemen’s has been voted Oklahoma City’s best Steakhouse for 13 years in a row. The restaurant business can be fickle, to say it kindly, and a 13-year consecutive run is hard to beat.
We made our way through the group of hat and boot wearing cowboys near the front entrance to encounter glass doors with a huge metal bull’s head as handles. Oh yeah, this place has promise.
Upon entering, we found Cattlemen’s had two sides; the newer restaurant style and the other diner style side. We opted for the classic diner, first built in 1910 and still retaining much of the design and décor of the era with a long counter top and stools, deep booths and tables with branding irons along with cattle and ranching related paraphernalia. Awesome and authentic looking.
While our booth was being cleared for us we browsed around looking at the photos on the wall and generally surveying the surroundings. Yep, it looked like a lot of rancher types are actually eating here. It wasn’t really fancy, just your basic diner with a majority of everyday people, cowboys, baseball hat wearing rancher/farmers, their friends and families here for a nice dinner.
My sister and I frequently order different meals with the intention of sharing them. She ordered the house special, the strip sirloin steak, while I found something unusual on the menu I wanted to try: Lamb Fries. It is also one of Cattlemen’s specialties and a local favorite.
Another unnaturally colored rum drink comes for my sister. Hopefully there is no Everclear in it this time. I am still tea totaling it because I’m driving. Not only am I driving, I am driving in a new city and at night. Not a good combination for me as I am directionally impaired in the best and most familiar of conditions.
When the waitress came over to refill our drinks, my sister asks her about what is in the dish that I am eating. The waitress asks us hesitantly if we really want to know. I interrupt and state that I already know – it’s lamb. Yes, the waitress agrees, it’s lamb … testicles.
My sister bursts out laughing like she thought I didn’t know. I knew. I just wasn’t going to tell her in hopes that I could get her to eat them. Then I was going to tell her.
After some coaxing, she did try one, just to be able to say she did; now she’s done and will never eat them again. They were quite edible and unoffending, especially doused in the sauce, but it’s not something I would order again.
The steak itself? I must admit that it was fabulous. Oklahoma has great beef, corn fed or not, and they also know how to properly cook it. No complaints from these Alberta girls.
To be continued next Sunday.
Fisherman Strikes It Rich, Then Jailed
21/03/2010 05:11
We’ve all dreamed of the bank making a mistake and depositing a huge sum to our bank account, haven’t we?
An employee of a fishing boat in Alaska had his dream come true when a couple of hundred grand showed up in his account.
Trouble is he withdrew it all and headed for sunny Florida.
But not before state troopers caught him.
Can People Unlearn Their Naked Shame?
21/03/2010 05:11
Once we were all happy to walk around naked, now we're not. But can an experiment in nudity help us understand why we are so embarrassed by being seen in the buff and help shed our inhibitions?
It's a classic anxiety nightmare - you're standing in front of a room full of work colleagues, your boss is there, maybe even that new colleague you've been trying to impress. And you're stark naked. Ouch.
Why are we so ashamed of being seen naked? Is there something deep in human nature that finds naked skin abhorrent?
Some prudishness inherited from our Victorian ancestors?
Those Customs Chaps Can Be Mean
21/03/2010 05:10
A young lady from the Philippines was making a trip to Australia and decided to take a few gifts for friends.
She bought three bags as gifts and tossed them in her luggage.
When she arrived in Melbourne a sniffer dog singled out her luggage and she was tossed in jail for trying to smuggle in drugs.
They would not even let her contact relatives and she wound up staying in jail five days before they realized it was all a mistake.
But what was in those bags?
